Built primarily between the 12th and 13th centuries, the stave churches in Norway are among the most distinctive and fascinating architectural treasures in Europe. These wooden structures showcase exceptional craftsmanship, are characterized by their vertical timber frames, steep layered roofs, and intricate carvings, and offer a rare glimpse into medieval life. Today, only a few dozen remain, each telling its own story through unique designs, and in this article, we’ll introduce you to all of them and teach you a few things about this unique architectural style along the way.
Viking Heritage
The Middle Ages saw the erection of monumental stone cathedrals all over Europe, which were a symbol of wealth and religious piety. Builders in Norway, though, modified these concepts to fit their local materials and made striking wooden buildings in smaller proportions. Stave churches became a special type of construction, a combination of functionality and beauty. The carvings on their doors, portals, and roof details are also highly detailed with a mix of Christian imagery and motifs that are thought to have a pre-Christian Norse heritage, including dragons, serpents, and interlaced animals reminiscent of the Viking past.
They are churches with a high level of woodworking that was acquired in the Viking Age, particularly in shipbuilding and house construction. The structural framework was made using vertical wooden posts (staves), which were used by builders, and planks were placed between the posts to construct strong walls. This method made the churches very flexible and durable, and they persisted through the centuries. The outcome is a unique form of architecture that can only be found in Norway, a unique merging of engineering and mythology.
Evidence also strongly suggests that several of the stave churches in Norway were built on sites that had spiritual importance well before the arrival of Christianity. The Norse religion practices were usually held outside, in sacred groves or by the altars, or in a hov, commonly the great hall of a local ruler of some importance. It’s possible that by erecting churches on these sites, early Christians aimed to maintain a continuum, but redefining the spiritual traditions in a new way, a mixture of ancient beliefs with a new religious twist.
The End of Stave Churches
Stave churches in Norway were not necessarily considered cultural treasures. By the early 19th century, over fifty had already disappeared due to neglect, decay, or shifting tastes. One of the greatest developments was in 1851, when a law mandated that churches host at least 30 percent of the surrounding population. With the increase in the number of communities, most stave churches were simply too limited to satisfy this demand. This led to the substitution of these by bigger, brighter, and more modern structures that were more comfortable.
The old wooden churches, so cold and dark, soon went out of fashion. During 1851-1890, a significant number were dismantled, sold, or recycled, with the timber being used in other buildings. Luckily, there was an increasing interest in cultural heritage, and some of them were promoting their preservation. These efforts have ensured that several stave churches have been preserved, and today they are considered invaluable historical and architectural heritage.
Stave Churches in Norway
Now that we covered some basic information out of the way, let’s cover some of the last remaining stave churches in Norway, starting with…
Eidsborg Stave Church – Tokke
Eidsborg Stave Church in Tokke is one of the rare stave churches in Norway that is well preserved. It dates back to the mid-13th century. It’s especially famous because of its highly decorated portal, with a complex ornamentation of carvings that mix Christian motives with the Norse ones. It has been continuously used as opposed to many others, and this has assisted in maintaining its structure and interior. Medieval paintings and artifacts can also be found in the church and provide a glimpse of religious life in rural Norway in the Middle Ages. Its location in Telemark contributes to its true historical feel.
Stay at Dalen Hotel, a historic lakeside hotel about 30 minutes away.
Flesberg Stave Church – Flesberg
The church of Flesberg Stave was located in Buskerud and was originally constructed in the late 12th century, but was extensively expanded in the 18th century. Only sections of the original structure have survived because of its inclusion in a larger cruciform church. Regardless of these developments, it continues to give a worthwhile input into the development of church architecture in Norway. It is unique among stave churches, being a mixture of medieval and later styles. The site of the church (a small valley) adds to its historical interest and gives the visitor with an idea of how the structure changed over centuries.
Flesberg Hotel offers a simple and convenient stay nearby in Numedal.
Garmo Stave Church – Lillehammer
Garmo Stave Church was originally constructed in the 12th century in Lom, but was later moved to the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum at Lillehammer. It is a rebuilt church consisting of elements of older buildings, a reconstruction of a composite image of traditional stave architecture. The inside is furnished with medieval-style furnishings and decorations that helps visitors imagine how it was used in the past. Although it is not where it was originally located, it is significant in maintaining the architecture of Norway. The museum environment makes it easy to access and educate those who want to learn about medieval Norwegian society.
Lillehammer Hotel provides a comfortable stay close to the Maihaugen museum.
Gol Stave Church – Oslo
The early 13th-century Gol Stave Church was relocated in 1960 to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. The location is central, and it is one of the most visited stave churches. The church boasts of traditional stave masonry, steeple roofs, and dragon-head ornaments. Its transfer guaranteed its survival following its obliteration during the 19 th century. Visitors can also see reconstructed medieval interiors within, which allows them to peep into the past of Norway.
Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret is a great central option in Oslo.
Grip Stave Church – Grip
The Grip Stave Church is situated on a small island called Grip on the west coast of Norway. It is considered to be one of the youngest stave churches that are still standing, as it was constructed in the 15th century. The remote location contributes to its appeal, as it is surrounded by an ancient fishing village. It is a small church, but heavily adorned, the interior paintings being of a very colorful nature and the exterior maritime in character. It was isolated, and this was one of the factors that prevented it from avoiding modernization. It is now a cultural icon and a beacon of the Norwegian coastline and the religious aspect of life in fishing villages.
Thon Hotel Kristiansund offers coastal views and easy access to Grip Island ferries.
Haltdalen Stave Church – Trondheim
Haltdalen Stave Church, which originally belongs to Trondelag, is also now a part of the Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum in Trondheim. It is one of the earliest forms of construction, being a stave church, simple and small, and dating back to the 12th century. The stave architecture emphasises its practicality in a simple design before the development of more elaborate fashions. Although quite straightforward, it offers a good overview of the early church building.
Quality Hotel Panorama in Trondheim is a modern base for visiting the museum.
Hedalen Stave Church – Sør-Aurdal
Hedalen Stave Church, constructed in the 12th century, is characterized by rich interior decorations as well as historical artifacts. It is situated in Valdres, and has been enlarged, though it still has its primitive stave construction. The church features medieval paintings, a carved statue of the Madonna, and ancient relics. The fact that it has been in use has helped to preserve it. It is a significant cultural and spiritual location, with a well-preserved illustration of how the stave churches developed without losing their historical nature as they are surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Scandic Valdres in Fagernes is a popular nearby choice.
Heddal Stave Church – Notodden
The largest stave church in Norway is Heddal Stave Church, which was built in the early 13th century. It is a unique representative of medieval wooden architecture because of its impressive triple-nave design and the impressive height of its structure. The church is decorated with elaborate carvings and is still a place of worship, which contributes to its cultural value. It is one of the most iconic stave churches in the country, as it is located in Notodden and has a lot of visitors because of its size, beauty, and historical value.
Notodden Hotel is the closest and most convenient option.
Hegge Stave Church – Valdres
Hegge Stave Church is a church constructed in the early 13 th century, and it is situated in Valdres. It is also famous due to its intact runic inscriptions that give us some of the rare historical information about medieval Norway. The church still has a lot of its original structure, carved details, and wooden structure. It is adorned with medieval decorations and artifacts in its interior. The comparative purity of Hegge makes it a valuable specimen of ancient stave construction. Its peaceful rural setting further enhances its authenticity and historical appeal.
Herangtunet Boutique Hotel offers a unique stay in Valdres.
Hopperstad Stave Church – Vik
One of the oldest stave churches in Norway is Hopperstad Stave Church, built around 1130. It is situated in Vik and is known due to its unique dragon-head roof decorations and elaborate carvings. The church was restored in the 19 th century, retaining its original design. It has Viking and Christian architecture. Hopperstad is distinguished by its dramatic look and historical importance and is one of the most important places to learn about the early Norwegian church constructions.
Blix Hotel in Vik provides a cozy fjordside experience.
Høre Stave Church – Oppland
Høre Stave Church, a late 12th-century church in Vang Municipality in Oppland. It has been modified numerous times throughout history, with extensions that make it somewhat of a hybrid look as opposed to more traditional stave churches. This has some important structural features in the form of its original staves and timberwork. There is evidence of a rich history in the archaeological remains, including rare runic inscriptions.
Filefjellstuene Fjellstue is a scenic mountain lodge nearby.
Høyjord Stave Church – Andebu
The only stave church left in Vestfold County is the Hoyjord Stave Church in Andebu. It was constructed in the 12th century, and is unique in its construction of the central mast, which was not common in stave churches. This inner support system is an addition to stability and architecture. The church has undergone several restoration works whereby its original aspects have been preserved. It has medieval ornamentation and additions in its interior that show its centuries-old usage.
Hotel Klubben in Tønsberg offers modern comfort close to the site.
Kaupanger Stave Church – Sogndal
In Sogndal, there is one of the largest and longest stave churches in Norway, Kaupanger Stave Church (c. 1140). It is characterized by its high, straight columns exceeding 20 staves in number, which give the interior a very unique vertical character. It has a rather simple exterior and, unlike many others, a fantastic and vast interior. This has preserved the church as it has continually been used and is one of the finest examples of early stave church architecture.
Quality Hotel Sogndal is a top choice in the region.
Kvernes Stave Church – Averøy
Kvernes Stave Church was constructed circa 1300, situated on the west coast in Averøy. It is an intermediate style between the old-fashioned stave building and subsequent timber churches. Being not as large as most of the others, it still boasts preserved historical quality and original design. The fact that the church is coastal also contributes to the special ambiance of the church, as it portrays the maritime culture of the area. Its conservation offers an understanding of the subsequent period of the stave church construction, when architecture was starting to change.
Sveggvika Guesthouse offers a charming coastal stay nearby.
Lom Stave Church – Lom
One of the most well-known Norwegian stave churches is the Lom Stave Church, built at the end of the 12th century. It can be found in the village of Lom, and is distinguished by its great size and the rich ornamentation of the roof with dragon heads. Its interior is adorned with intricate carvings and historical objects, and the dramatic mountain landscape of Lom adds to its visual appeal, making it among the most photographed and visited stave churches.
Fossheim Hotel is a historic and highly regarded option in Lom.
Lomen Stave Church – Vestre Slidre
A smaller but well-preserved example of traditional stave architecture is Lomen Stave Church, constructed in the late 12th century. It was situated in Vestre Slidre and has preserved much of its ancient form, although later additions have been made. The plain design of the church brings out the fundamental aspects of the stave construction, such as vertical posts and wooden walls. There are historical decorations and artifacts, which visitors can discover inside. Lomen provides a closer examination of the life of the Middle Ages in the church than some of the bigger and more grandiose samples of Stave architecture.
Danebu Kongsgaard Boutique Hotel provides a peaceful mountain retreat.
Nore Stave Church – Numedal
The Nore Stave Church in the Numedal Valley is a charming 12th-century church with unusual cruciform design and subsequent extensions, which contrasts with the more traditional rectangular stave churches. In spite of these modifications, it still has some main original features, such as carved details and structural elements. The development of the church is a response to the changing needs. It is a crucial cultural landmark in the region, due to its picturesque site and historical value.
Norefjell Ski & Spa is a premium stay within driving distance.
Øye Stave Church – Vang
Originally constructed in the 12th century, Øye Stave Church has a peculiar history-although it was dismantled and lost centuries later, it was rebuilt in the 20th century. The church, which is found in Vang, was reconstructed with original materials that were found under a more recent building. Its reconstruction is a unique insight into the methods of building in the Middle Ages. It is now a historical monument and testimony to the efforts of Norway in safeguarding its own cultural heritage.
Hotel Øye is a famous historic hotel just a short drive away.
Reinli Stave Church – Sør-Aurdal
The best preserved stave church, still in use, is the Reinli Stave Church, constructed in the 12th century. It is in Sør-Aurdal, it is built of traditional staves, and is simple and graceful in design. It has medieval artwork and decorations in its interior, and has been carefully restored to its authentic design. The fact that it is still used as a parish church underscores its cultural and spiritual value.
Scandic Valdres is again the most convenient nearby stay.
Ringebu Stave Church – Ringebu
Ringebu Stave Church is a 1000-year-old church with a unique red tower that was added in the 17th century. It is situated in the Gudbrandsdalen valley with a mixture of medieval stave construction and subsequent architecture. It has an intricately adorned interior, with painted panels and detailed carvings. Its distinctive look is a result of centuries of evolution.
Kvitfjell Hotel offers a great alpine stay close to Ringebu.
Rollag Stave Church – Rollag
The 12th-century Rollag Stave Church is located in Numedal and has been extended to a cruciform form. Although a lot of the original structure still stands, subsequent additions have changed the look of it greatly. Nonetheless, it also maintains valuable aspects of stave building. It is an intriguing study in architectural development because of its mix of the ancient and the modern.
Veggli Fjellstue is a cozy local accommodation option.
Rødven Stave Church – Rauma
The Rodven Stave Church, dating to the 13th century, is found in Rauma, near the Romsdal fjord. Applying old-fashioned stave-building techniques, it is comparatively small and in good condition. The church features a simple yet elegant design, with traditional wooden elements and historical details. It has lovely scenery, which contributes to its attractiveness. Rodven is a calmer and less busy alternative that, nevertheless, gives a glimpse into the medieval architecture of Norway.
Grand Hotel Åndalsnes provides fjord and mountain views nearby.
Røldal Stave Church – Odda
One of the historical sites worth visiting is Roldal Stave Church, which was constructed during the 13th century. It was situated in Odda and was thought to have some sort of healing powers in a crucifix. The church is still a great part of its original building and has medieval decoration. It is one of the more historically interesting stave churches due to its spiritual importance and intact architecture.
Røldalsterrassen Apartments offer modern stays in the village.
Torpo Stave Church – Hallingdal
The late 12th-century Torpo Stave Church in Hallingdal is famous for its medieval wall paintings that are well preserved, portraying biblical scenes and decoration patterns. The church is in fairly good condition and is a good example of the traditional construction of staves. It’s especially useful in studying medieval religious art in Norway due to its artistic characteristics.
Thon Hotel Hallingdal in Ål is a reliable nearby option.
Undredal Stave Church – Undredal
One of the tiniest stave churches in Norway is the Undredal Stave Church, constructed in 1147. It is situated on the fjord of Aurlandsfjord in the village of Undredal. It is still actively used even though it is one of the smallest churches in Norway. It is a memorable place because of the simplicity of the church and the scenic setting.
Fretheim Hotel in Flåm offers a scenic fjordside stay.
Urnes Stave Church – Luster
The oldest stave church in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is Urnes Stave Church, which was built circa 1130. It is situated in Luster and is known for its elaborate carving in wood, the most well-known being the so-called Urnes style, which consists of fancy interlaced designs of animals. The church is the epitome of the stave architecture and artistic masterwork. It is amongst the most important heritage sites in Norway due to its historical and cultural importance.
Walaker Hotel in Solvorn is Norway’s oldest hotel and is very close by.
Uvdal Stave Church – Numedal
Last but not least, we conclude this guide to stave churches in Norway with Uvdal Stave Church in Numedal, which was constructed in the late 12th century. It has been expanded over time, and it now has a cruciform shape. The church still has a lot of original details, like carved details and a wooden structure. Its interior is comprised of historical decorations and artifacts. The mixture of original and subsequent elements of Uvdal is indicative of the process of adapting stave churches to the needs of the community.
Uvdal Resort offers cabins and apartments near the church.
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